Spanking of minors. Don't like. Don't read.
Season 1 Episode 1 Part 5
Just because it's laying the groundwork chapter, it is a bit long. Sorry for that. The next ones will be shorter.
Maya walked through the door smiling the next morning.
"That's the face we like to see!" Topanga told the girl, as she sat down to eat breakfast.
"You look happy, Maya." Cory told the beaming girl.
Maya handed her phone to the man, "I feel happy. And I wanted to say thank you."
"For what lovely?" Topanga asked, handing the girl a pop tart.
"Being magic fixers." Maya said biting into the pop tart.
"So I take it you guys had a better night last night than the one before?" Cory asked, excited for any progress.
"Yes! When I got out of the shower, she was sitting on my bed with her guitar and we sang for a little bit and then she tucked me in, and I closed my eyes at 930!" Maya said triumphantly.
Topanga smiled, she was happy that her girl was happy. "Are you going to be upset to spend the night with us tonight?" She asked fake pouting.
"No," Riley cut in. "Actually, I was thinking...I don't have to go out after school, right daddy?"
Cory nodded, unsure of where his daughter was going with it. "Of course not, why?"
"I want to walk home with Maya, and maybe I could help with her homework?" Riley asked.
"Aww you miss me!" Maya leaned into her friend, who wrapped her in a quick hug.
Cory looked over to Topanga to gauge her response. "I think thats fine, as long as work is getting done."
"Yay!" Both girls cheered before getting up and darting out the door.
That day the girls came home and Topanga told them it was okay for them to do their work in the living room. Riley worked on making loop bracelets and Maya finished her math and started on her essays for History. Topanga was happy to hear the girls chatter as they worked, and was even more content when Cory and Auggie came home and the house was full of more warm conversation. She put her laptop away and colored with Auggie at the table. Both girls asked for a few more chores to make some extra money, which Topanga happily handed out. This was the family life she had dreamed of as a kid. Their new routine went off without a hitch and everyone was pleasantly surprised when Katy called for Maya around 9 to say goodnight. Maya went off to bed at 930 without complaint and being bored, Riley joined her shortly after.
Topanga had asked Maya to leave her school work out before she went to bed. After kissing Riley goodnight, and making sure Maya was still sleeping soundly, she grabbed a glass of wine and sat down on the floor in front of the coffee table, pulling the work out she started to take inventory.
"How's she doing?" Cory asked, sitting behind his wife on the couch.
"Looks like she has caught up in Art and Math, is halfway through your class and then has English and Science, which do have the most missing." She said.
"Her science teacher stopped me today to let me know that she has been much more engaged these past 2 days." Cory told her.
"Good. How about in your class?" She asked.
"I think she's doing great."
"And she hasn't complained about any of her punishment, and she hasn't tried to get around anything."
"What are you trying to talk yourself into?" Cory asked.
"Well we wanted to give Riley her subway pass this weekend anyway. Why don't we still do that Sunday morning, and let both girls go free for the day, good behavior should be rewarded." She turned and rested her chin on Cory's leg to see what he thought.
"Isn't Katy coming over Sunday to spend time before she takes Maya home?"
"Yeah, around 4. We can tell the girls to be back by 5, and spend that hour getting to know Katy better."
"You don't think Maya will try and use this in the future when she gets into trouble?"
"I'm not sure. I think Maya will end up doing a lot of things to get out of trouble when she realizes this is going to be a constant and not some new thing we only do for a little while."
"I'm not disagreeing with you, I just want to save us the most grief in the future."
"How about we see how tomorrow goes, it will be her first weekend day that she is grounded. I know that Riley has plans with Farkel after lunch, and Auggie will want to go spend his allowance. It will be a good test. She will be alone with money to burn."
Cory nodded, "You want to leave her here alone?"
"Just for a couple hours while we grocery shop and take Auggie out with his money. We would leave Riley. And honestly Maya is probably the more sufficient one at home alone."
"Alright, let's try it out."
The next morning Cory made waffles, eggs and bacon. Auggie was up first but it didn't take long for the girls to come out since they had gone to bed earlier.
"Good morning girls!" Cory called.
Riley groaned as she sat down at the table. Maya sat next to her and put her head down on the table.
"Still tired, Lovely? You two can go back to bed." Topanga told them.
"I'm okay." Maya said into the table.
"Just a little groggy." Riley confirmed.
Cory walked over with the girls plates, "Lift up Maya, I have your food." Maya sat up and thanked the man for breakfast, but just stared down at it.
Riley was picking at her food too. Topanga reached across the table to feel Rileys forehead. Her temperature seemed normal. And she had checked on the girls twice in the night so she knew they had been asleep instead of up talking. "Do you feel okay?" Topanga asked them.
"Just tired." Maya told her. Riley nodded.
"Why don't we put your plates in the microwave, and you two can go back to bed?" Cory asked, already standing to do so.
"No!" Riley snapped, "We said we're fine. I need to do my chores before lunch so I can go to the movies after."
"Riley," Topanaga admonished, "you aren't going anywhere with that attitude, you two need to go back to bed."
"What did I do?" Maya asked incredulously, as Riley glared at her mother.
"Nothing, but your choice are to eat or go back to bed." Topanga told her, softening her voice a little.
"The bed is so far away!" Maya whined.
"Alright, to bed both of you!" Cory decided.
Maya stood up, too tired to argue and went back to Riley's room. She fell asleep the second she hit the bed it felt like. Riley had also dragged herself to her room, with a little more stomping, and collapsed back into bed. An hour later Maya woke up feeling much more alert.
She went out into the kitchen and grabbed her plate from the microwave. "Feeling better?" Cory asked, looking up from grading.
"Much!" Maya said happily.
Topanga joined the girl at the table. "So if Riley wakes up today, she is going to head to the movies later, and we were going to take Auggie to spend his allowance, and go grocery shopping. That would leave you here alone, how do you feel about that?"
"That's fine. I'm at home by myself a lot." Maya told them, wondering why they were being weird.
"We will leave your phone here in case of an emergency, can we trust you to not go on it, and to not watch TV?" Cory asked.
"Yes Matthew's, I promise to follow all the rules." Maya told him. She finished her breakfast and stood up to put her plate in the sink.
"Don't forget, you have breakfast dishes today." Topanga told her.
"I'm gonna do some homework first so I can do them all at once when Riles wakes up." Maya told her. She went to grab her backpack from by the front door and pulled out her history book and folder.
"We looked through your stuff last night and you are doing really well." Cory praised her.
She smiled warmly up at the man, before starting on her last essay for his class.
Riley came out half an hour later, ate her breakfast and went off to do her Saturday chores. Maya finished her last worksheet for History, and did the dishes.
Around one Topanga called them all to the table to eat lunch. Cory handed Auggie $5, Riley $20 and Maya $25. "Don't spend it all in one place."
Maya looked at the money and wondered what she would do with it. Her mom was usually pretty good about finding money if she needed something, but this was her money that she had earned, and she wanted to be careful with it. "What are you going to do with your allowance?" Riley asked.
"Maybe get a piggy bank to put it in, and a wallet...is that silly?" Maya asked.
"Having a place to store your money is smart." Topanga told her.
"Why don't we have a class on what to do with our Money?" Riley asked.
"Your parents are supposed to teach you." Cory told her. "What are you going to do with your money?"
"Well the movie today then probably get smoothies and stuff with it this week." Riley shrugged.
"What are you going to do with your allowance, Aug?" Maya asked him.
"There was a yo-yo I had my eye on." The little boy said. "Can we go see if I still like it after we get food?"
"Of course." Topanga told him, "You know you don't have to spend your money."
"You could save it up for something big you want," Cory agreed.
"Like what?" Maya asked.
"Concert tickets." Riley said.
"Yeah. Is there anything you want that is going to cost more than $25 dollars?" Topanga asked her.
"Maybe a keyboard?" Maya said.
"Do you have a computer?" Riley asked.
"No, like a piano." Maya told her.
"Oh that would be cool!" Riley agreed.
"Maybe tonight after dinner, you guys can make lists of some things you want and then we can look up how much they cost." Topanga told them.
"That's a good idea!" Riley told them excitedly.
"Riley, do you still have your old wallet?" Cory asked her.
"Uh...somewhere..." She said trying to think of the last time she had seen it.
"Do you think they have wallets at the toy store Daddy, maybe I want a wallet with my allowance." Auggie told him.
"We can look bubba." Cory told him.
After lunch was done, Riley put her plate in the sink, hugged her parents and Maya and ran out the door. Cory did the lunch dishes and got ready to leave. They handed over Mayas phone, bid her goodbye and left.
Maya pulled out her science book and the folder for that class.
After grocery shopping, they headed to the toy and gift store by the house. Cory went off with Auggie and Topanga walked around the store on a mission. After checking out with her purchases, she went to find the boys. "See anything you like?"
"Yes. I think im going to get this yo-yo for 1.50, then I will still be able to save some money for when we make our lists." Auggie told her.
"I think thats a great idea." She told him.
"What did you get?" Cory asked, surprised that she had bought something there.
"I'll show you after dinner." She told him.
They checked out and walked to a nearby park for Auggie to play at for a little while. Around 530 they decided to head back.
Maya was sitting at the coffee table working when they came in. "Can I take a break?" She asked as soon as they walked through the door.
Cory laughed, "How far did you get?"
Maya quickly rifled through the pages, "The one I'm working on will be ten."
"Why don't you finish that one, and then you can take a break." Topanga told her.
Maya worked hard not to groan out loud. "Yes ma'am."
Topanga sat her purchases down in her room and then went out to help Cory bring up the groceries.
Auggie sat next to Maya playing with his yo-yo and talking about his day. A few minutes later Riley came in. "Done!" Maya called out. She looked hopefully over at Topanga and Cory as she slowly started packing away the work.
"Yes." Topanga laughed, "you can be done for now. Why don't you and Riley come put the groceries away."
Both girls dutifully did as they were asked, then set the table while Topanga worked on dinner. Cory and Auggie practiced yo-yo tricks in the livingroom.
After dinner the kids sat down to do make thier lists. Cory sat next to Auggie to help him spell his words and look up what he wanted. Riley had her phone to look up the cost of things, and Topanga sat between the girls to help Maya look up pricing.
Auggie's savings list:
Green and Black Bike $149
Yo-yo trick book $9.99
Joke Book $9.99
Robot Dinosaur $39
Mr. Googly Jacket $32
Rileys savings list:
Eye shadow pallette $32
Black Jeans with Zippers $57
Concert tickets $150
Boots $38
Maya's savings list:
Keyboard with bench $179
MP3 player $40
Good Headphones $160
The kids and adults sat at the table talking for a while about their lists and large future purchases like cars and college.
Topanga jumped up and ran back to her room to grab the bag. She came back out and set banks in front of each of the kids. Each bank had 3 compartments. Save, spend, share. They talked to the kids about donating to causes they thought were worthy and how while saving was good, it was also important to spend a little money so you didn't over spend due to fear of missing out. She then produced 3 wallets from the bag and handed one to each child.
On their papers the kids each wrote out what their goals were for their allowance. They each pit the money they were saving and donating into the right parts of their banks, and their spend money in their wallets.
Auggie:
Save $2, Spend $2, Donate $1
Riley:
Save $5, Spend $5, donate $2 *split any extra money between Save and Spend*
Maya
Save $6, Spend $5, Donate $2 *split any extra money equally into all 3*
Topanga looked at the clock and it was already 830. "Why don't we put these away, and we can go upstairs and look at the stars?"
The kids rushed to put away their new things and then came back out in sweatshirts, with blankets.
At 9, Katy called again to wish Maya goodnight and Cory took Maya and Auggie downstairs to get ready for bed while Riley and Topanga stayed up on the roof to talk.
The next morning over breakfast Cory and Topanga told the girls about getting Rileys subway pass that day.
"Do you have your card on you Maya?" Topanga asked.
"Uh..." Maya hedged.
"Do you have a metro card Maya?" Cory asked.
"Somewhere," she said nodding.
"Alright, we will grab one for you both. Then it's just you two and the city!" Topanga told them.
"But I'm grounded." Maya told them.
"We know, but we are pausing it, just for today. You've been very responsible." Cory told her.
"Can Lucas and Farkel hang out with us?" Riley asked.
"Yes, and I will give you your phone back when we drop you two off."
"Isn't my mom coming for dinner tonight?" Maya asked, nervously.
Topanga reached out and held the girls hand, "Yes. She will be here Lovely. Which is why you two need to meet us all back at the station at 5."
Maya shot up from the table and stated down the hall, "Excuse me...where are you going?" Cory called after her.
"I need to get ready to not be in this apartment anymore!" Maya called back.
"No ma'am, come finish your breakfast, you can get ready while Riley does the dishes." Topanga called. When Maya didn't reappear after a moment, Cory started to stand, but Topanga stopped him, "Or, you can just stay here today Maya."
Maya came back to the table in leggings, shorts and her pj top. "I needed pants." She defended.
It wasn't long before they sent the girls off into the world. They took Auggie to the park, and came home to work on some things while they waited.
At 415 Topanga asked if they should check in, but Cory told her not to worry.
"I'm calling," she declared at 430.
"Probably a good idea." Cory agreed.
When she couldn't reach her on her cell, Topanga called the diner.
"Katy." She said, coming to the phone.
"Katy, why are you at work? You were supposed to be at our house thirty minutes ago." Topanga snapped. Cory winced at his wife's tone.
"I picked up an extra shift, won't make it to dinner, but I will swing by around 9 to pick up Maya, okay?" Katy asked.
"No, that's not okay, she is expecting you to be here." Topanga told her.
"I will be. At 9. Or send her on the subway, just let me know." Katy said, clearly distracted.
"I will see you at 9." Topanga growled before hanging up.
"No way." Cory said, irritated.
"I'm going to kill her." Topanga growled.
"We have to leave to get the girls, and I'm sure Maya is going to be upset, you need to keep it together." Cory warned her.
Topanga nodded and used the walk to the station to calm down. She couldn't help but notice as Maya's eyes searched for Katy when they got off.
"Did she pick up an extra shift?" Maya asked, trying to keep the tears from her voice.
"Yeah, Lovely, she will be around to get you at 9." Topanga said, reaching out to pull the girl I to a hug. Maya accepted it but didn't hug back.
"Do you guys want to get pizza for dinner, maybe watch a movie?" Cory asked. Riley and Auggie gladly accepted the offer. Maya said whatever wad fine.
They picked a movie while they waited for pizza, and try as they might they could not break Maya out of her funk. She sat quietly during the movie with her chin resting on her pulled up knees willing herself not to cry. At 800 Topanga went to give Auggie his bath and start his bedtime routine. Riley went to pick up her room for the night. Cory scooted closer to Maya on the couch. "Wanna talk about it?"
"No." Maya said firmly.
"Okay, I won't make you, but I need you to listen to me. Sometimes things come up and that sucks. Your mom gets to decide who she wants to be in this life, but you have the same choice Maya, so don't let her actions derail all the progress that you've made, okay?"
Maya didn't answer and they sat quietly until Topanga came to get him to tuck in Auggie. She took his place on the couch and pulled Maya in close to herself. "Hey my fierce amazon warrior."
"I don't wanna be a fierce warrior." Maya mumbled.
"I know lovely. I know." Topanga kissed the girls temple and rocked with her. Riley came out in PJs around 845 to wish Maya goodnight night. Then followed her dad back to her room.
"Maya?" Topanga said softly. "I'm going to tell you something that doesn't feel fair, but I need you to remember that my main concern is your character development..."
"Is this where you tell me that even though she stood me up, I still need to be respectful?" Maya asked, turning her head on her knees to loom at Topanga.
Topanga brushed the girls hair from her face, "Yes. I'm not saying you can't tell her how you feel, but no fit throwing or disrespect."
"I will try." Maya told her.
"I'm going to ask you tomorrow morning about tonight, and I expect you to be honest with me, and even if I don't want to, I will send you off to school with a sore bottom." Topanga warned the girl.
"Yes ma'am." Maya whispered.
"You know you're loved right?" Maya was saved from answering when there was a knock. Maya grabbed her backpack and a bag that had her new piggy bank in it.
"Hey!" Katy said warmly. Maya looked down at the ground. "What are you not going to talk to me? We have all day after school tomorrow Maya." Katy told her.
"Can we just go home?" Maya asked.
"Fine." Katy snapped, "Thanks for keeping her." She told Topanga.
"Anytime." Topanga pulled Maya in for a hug, "I love you."
Maya nodded and followed her mom out. Katy tried to make small talk on the way home bit Maya refused to talk to her.
"Hey!" Katy snapped as Maya walked away from her. "Where are you going?"
Maya turned around to glare at her, "to get ready for bed, it's late and at least one of us knows how to read a clock!"
"You do not get to speak to me that way Maya! I am your mother!" Katy snapped back.
"Since when?" Maya asked, tilting her head to the side.
Tears filled Katy's eyes at that. "Too far Maya. You know what, if that's how you are going to behave, you can stay here tomorrow morning instead of walking with Riley to school. There is a left over turkey sandwhich in the fridge you can eat for breakfast."
"Yeah, okay." Maya said turning to go to her room.
"Don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" Katy shouted.
But Maya kept going and slammed her bedroom door before locking it.